CARNATION – Camp Gilead has been voted BEST Kids Camp in the Northwest by King 5 Evening Magazine’s “BEST Northwest Escapes.”

It was exciting news for Kimberly Mallory, Camp Gilead program director, who made the announcement last week. The facility has been a popular youth camp since 1948 and this year is hosting its 3rd annual River Run 5K.

The event attracts serious runners, along with recreational walkers, families and pets and benefits camper scholarships. The race annually brings community spirit to the Snoqualmie Valley and will be held this year on May 27.

“One hundred percent of proceeds from our event are given out to kids who are unable to attend camp due to financial hardship,”said Mallory. “Because of the economy, we have seen a tremendous increase in requests for scholarships. Parents see the value of summer camp for their children and want their kids to have that childhood experience, but are having a hard time finding ways to pay for it. In the last two years of hosting this event, we were able to provide over $15,000 in camp scholarships.”

The River Run 5K major sponsors include Carlson Consulting, Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle, Remlinger Farms and various churches in the greater Seattle area. Other sponsors include a wide variety of local businesses providing prizes for age group winners.

Following the 5K is a pancake breakfast sponsored by local Carnation market, IGA and food service provider Sysco. This allows participants and their families to enjoy the camp after the race, which is a beloved part of many children’s summer vacation.

Course route is USATF certified and will be chip timed by BUDU Racing. The course is mostly flat and paved, winding through beautiful country roads along the Snoqualmie River with impressive mountain views, beginning and ending at Camp Gilead.

Race award winners for 2012 include overall 5K male – Logan Orndorf of Duvall, with a time of 16:25; overall 5K female – Morgan Ekemo of Kirkland, with a time of 20:05.

Camp Gilead offers day camp programs for K – 3rd grade, resident camp programs for 3rd – 12th grade as well as family camp, retreats, rental facilities and other special events.

For more event information, a complete list of sponsors and official race results, visit www.campgilead.org/riverrun5k or contact Kimberly Mallory at (425) 985-3326. To learn more about Camp Gilead’s summer camps, please visit www.campgilead.org.